Taipei, Oct. 11 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu said Saturday that she will launch a campaign for sponsoring Malawian children so that the children of the southeastern African country will get better care.
The vice president made the remarks when she hosted a luncheon in Taoyuan County, northern Taiwan, in honor of Malawian President Bakili Muluzi and his entourage who came to Taiwan for the Double Ten National Day celebrations.
Lu lauded President Muluzi for devoting himself to his country's democracy and progress during his 10 years in office.
She also said that President Muluzi is a long-term close friend of Taiwan, noting that he has instructed the nation's ambassador to the United Nations each year to speak out for the Republic of China's cause when the United Nations holds its annual general assembly.
Such steadfast support for the ROC is touching, the vice president said.
Lu said that some people in Taiwan may complain about the high unemployment rate and the fact they are not earning enough money, but compared with Malawi, "we are very lucky."
She again urged the people to extend Taiwan's love to its diplomatic allies. Following her appeal to sponsor Gambian children earlier this week, she asked for generous donations for Malawian children, saying that the sum of NT$10,000 (US$295.85) will be able to support a child for two years.
She said that she hopes the campaign could start from schools, with groups of two or three students co-sponsoring a Malawian child.
Lu also said that as Taiwan is actively seeking opportunities to join the international community, it is necessary to extend Taiwan's love to Malawi in addition to expressing its appreciation to the country.
After the luncheon, Lu accompanied President Muluzi and his entourage to visit a chicken farm and a vegetable farm in Taoyuan. `